Amina Pierson: How a Passion for Transformation Fueled a Community
Amina shares her career in community and economic development and passion for transformation and seeing things change.
Mary Farucci
Hi there! I'm Mary Farucci. I'm a thoughtful, driven, strategic communicator, writer/editor, and coordinator, with a strong sense of purpose and heart. At my core, I am a passionate storyteller. Here's a little bit about me and what I've been up to. ⤵️
I grew up in White Plains, New York and moved to Boston, Massachusetts to complete my undergraduate degree in Broadcast Journalism at Emerson College.
I landed my first reporter/anchor gig almost immediately after in Jefferson City, Missouri at the Missourinet, a statewide radio news network that broadcasts at more than 60 stations across the state. I covered state education and transportation beats, as well as Senate and House of Representatives hearings at the Missouri State Capitol.
I moved on to work for iHeartMedia in Denver, Colorado as a Rocky Mountain Correspondent. I anchored the morning news on three different radio stations simultaneously, and hosted Colorado Today, a weekly public affairs show featuring local nonprofits and charities.
Since 2016, I have called Indianapolis home, working for Emmis Communications as a Multimedia Content Producer, and winning my first Spectrum Award by the Indiana Broadcasters Association before I made the transition into television working on the digital side for WTHR and WRTV. I went back to school to earn my Master's in Strategic Communication/Public Relations from Purdue University, graduating in 2021, and was eager to pivot into the world of PR and all things marketing.
These days, my career has taken me to serve in a PR role at the parent company of the largest public health department in Indiana where I specialize in employee communications, spearheading our internal monthly newsletter, corporate event planning, and department liaison & coordinator.
Hiring Hoosiers: FedEx Ground is hiring more than 1,600 in Indianapolis as the holiday shipping season nears
INDIANAPOLIS — FedEx Ground is hiring. As the holiday season approaches, and in response to continued demand for e-commerce services, and seven-day residential delivery, the company is looking to more than 1,600 team members in the Indianapolis area.
Open positions are available for a mix of part-time and full-time package handlers with opportunities for growth.
• Wide range of benefits after a minimum threshold of service, including holiday pay, medical, dental and vision coverage.
• Employee
Open positions are available for a mix of part-time and full-time package handlers with opportunities for growth.
• Wide range of benefits after a minimum threshold of service, including holiday pay, medical, dental and vision coverage.
• Employee
Carson Wentz, wife Madison announce the birth of second daughter
INDIANAPOLIS — Carson Wentz is a girl dad twice over!
The Colts quarterback took to Instagram Tuesday evening to announce the birth of his second daughter, Hudson Rose.
"Welcome to the World, my sweet Hudson Rose! What an incredible blessing you already are to our family. Your Mama was an absolute champ. Can’t wait for you and your big sis to run the World— or at least my World," Wentz wrote.
Hudson Rose was born on Tuesday, measuring just under 20 inches and weighing 7 pounds, 14 ounces.
We
The Colts quarterback took to Instagram Tuesday evening to announce the birth of his second daughter, Hudson Rose.
"Welcome to the World, my sweet Hudson Rose! What an incredible blessing you already are to our family. Your Mama was an absolute champ. Can’t wait for you and your big sis to run the World— or at least my World," Wentz wrote.
Hudson Rose was born on Tuesday, measuring just under 20 inches and weighing 7 pounds, 14 ounces.
We
Kokomo police ask for public's help after armored vehicle robbed
KOKOMO — The Kokomo Police Department is asking for the public's help to identify the getaway car a person used following an armed robbery of an armored vehicle outside of a bank on Tuesday.
Officers responded to a reported armed robbery in the 200 block of West Jefferson Street after an armored vehicle arrived at the building to service the ATM.
While one employee was inside the bank servicing the machine, police said a Black male wearing a camouflaged hood, black facemask, and dark clothing
Officers responded to a reported armed robbery in the 200 block of West Jefferson Street after an armored vehicle arrived at the building to service the ATM.
While one employee was inside the bank servicing the machine, police said a Black male wearing a camouflaged hood, black facemask, and dark clothing
Former Tippecanoe County school aide sentenced to 42 years in prison
INDIANAPOLIS — A former Tippecanoe County School Corporation former school aide who was accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a student was sentenced to 47 years, with 42 ordered to be served in the Indiana Department Corrections followed by five years of probation.
Jennifer Ruth Holmgren, 42, of Lafayette was convicted of Child Molesting and Inappropriate Communication with a Child.
According to the Tippecanoe County Prosecutor's Office, a 14-year-old boy told investigators he
Jennifer Ruth Holmgren, 42, of Lafayette was convicted of Child Molesting and Inappropriate Communication with a Child.
According to the Tippecanoe County Prosecutor's Office, a 14-year-old boy told investigators he
Students at Muncie Central High School protest after conflict over a class assignment
MUNCIE — Students at Muncie Central High School staged a protest on Monday after a class assignment created a "disruptive discussion" between a student and school resource officers.
The incident occurred late last week when the assigned project prompted a display of student-created posters regarding social issues in a hallway at the high school, according to a release by Muncie Community Schools.
The display then created that disruptive discussion between a student and the school resource offi
The incident occurred late last week when the assigned project prompted a display of student-created posters regarding social issues in a hallway at the high school, according to a release by Muncie Community Schools.
The display then created that disruptive discussion between a student and the school resource offi
Indy Zoo welcomes birth of critically endangered Addra gazelle
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Zoo has added a new member to their Zoo family with the birth of a critically endangered Addra gazelle born on Nov. 6.
The male calf, who has not been named yet, was born to the Zoo's seven-year-old female gazelle, Swann, and weighed just 11 lbs. at birth.
The Zoo says both baby and mother are doing great, and because Addra gazelles are so critically endangered, this birth is even more special for the Zoo.
According to the Indianapolis Zoo's website, during the
The male calf, who has not been named yet, was born to the Zoo's seven-year-old female gazelle, Swann, and weighed just 11 lbs. at birth.
The Zoo says both baby and mother are doing great, and because Addra gazelles are so critically endangered, this birth is even more special for the Zoo.
According to the Indianapolis Zoo's website, during the
Indianapolis community leader loses everything after home destroyed by fire
INDIANAPOLIS — Community leader, Derris "Dee" Ross and his wife, Claudia, are picking up the pieces after a tragic fire destroyed their home on November 5, and killed their beloved dog, Prince.
According to a GoFundMe that has been organized up for the couple, the newlyweds are both familiar faces to the City of Indianapolis because of all the work they do in the communities around Indianapolis and South Bend.
Dee also founded The Ross Foundation, a nonprofit that addresses the problems the In
According to a GoFundMe that has been organized up for the couple, the newlyweds are both familiar faces to the City of Indianapolis because of all the work they do in the communities around Indianapolis and South Bend.
Dee also founded The Ross Foundation, a nonprofit that addresses the problems the In
1-year-old's body recovered from a pond in northwest Indiana
HAMMOND — The body of a one-year-old was found in a retention pond in northwest Indiana Thursday afternoon.
According to a press release from Indiana State Police, they were sent to the area of Interstate 80 and the Kennedy Avenue ramp in Hammond on a report of a person in the pond.
When troopers arrived at the scene, they spoke with a construction worker who directed them to what appeared to be a body. The Hammond Fire Department assisted, and immediately entered the water and removed the bod
According to a press release from Indiana State Police, they were sent to the area of Interstate 80 and the Kennedy Avenue ramp in Hammond on a report of a person in the pond.
When troopers arrived at the scene, they spoke with a construction worker who directed them to what appeared to be a body. The Hammond Fire Department assisted, and immediately entered the water and removed the bod
Former Randolph County elementary school principal charged with sexual misconduct with a minor
RANDOLPH COUNTY — The former principal of an elementary school in Randolph County is facing five counts of sexual misconduct with a minor, according to court records.
According to the Randolph County Sheriff's Department, on Nov. 9, 2021, Ashley Breedlove, 34, of Farmland, was taken into custody for an arrest warrant issued out of Randolph Circuit Court.
The Union School Corporation released a statement saying Breedlove, who worked as principal at Union Elementary School, resigned Oct. 18.
If
According to the Randolph County Sheriff's Department, on Nov. 9, 2021, Ashley Breedlove, 34, of Farmland, was taken into custody for an arrest warrant issued out of Randolph Circuit Court.
The Union School Corporation released a statement saying Breedlove, who worked as principal at Union Elementary School, resigned Oct. 18.
If
Kokomo woman sentenced for animal crushing
INDIANAPOLIS — A Kokomo woman has been sentenced to 30 months behind bars for animal crushing.
Around May 2020 through at least July 2020, Krystal Cherika Scott, 20, began posting images and videos over various social media platforms that showed her torturing and graphically killing cats and dogs by hanging, skinning, and other means.
In June of 2020, the Boise, Idaho Police Department received information from a concerned citizen who reported the cruelty. They immediately opened an investigat
Around May 2020 through at least July 2020, Krystal Cherika Scott, 20, began posting images and videos over various social media platforms that showed her torturing and graphically killing cats and dogs by hanging, skinning, and other means.
In June of 2020, the Boise, Idaho Police Department received information from a concerned citizen who reported the cruelty. They immediately opened an investigat
At least 10 people displaced in Castleton apartment building fire
INDIANAPOLIS — At least 10 people are without a home tonight after a fire broke out at an apartment building in Castleton on Monday.
Fire officials at the scene said the fire started on the first floor of the apartment building, located in the 8900 block of River Bend Court.
Rita Reith, PIO with Indianapolis Fire Department said between six to 10 units were impacted by fire, water, or smoke damage, but thankfully, there were no injuries. The extent of the damages also remains undetermined at t
Fire officials at the scene said the fire started on the first floor of the apartment building, located in the 8900 block of River Bend Court.
Rita Reith, PIO with Indianapolis Fire Department said between six to 10 units were impacted by fire, water, or smoke damage, but thankfully, there were no injuries. The extent of the damages also remains undetermined at t
Woman shot, killed at an apartment complex on the northwest side
INDIANAPOLIS — Officers with Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department are investigating after a woman was shot and killed at an apartment complex on the city's northwest side.
The incident occurred just after 3:15 Tuesday afternoon in the 4800 block of Covered Bridge Road when officers with IMPD were called to the address on reports of shots being fired.
When IMPD officers arrived, they located an adult female inside the common area of the apartment building with injuries consistent with gu
The incident occurred just after 3:15 Tuesday afternoon in the 4800 block of Covered Bridge Road when officers with IMPD were called to the address on reports of shots being fired.
When IMPD officers arrived, they located an adult female inside the common area of the apartment building with injuries consistent with gu
Man sentenced to 100 years for child molestation
INDIANAPOLIS — A man will be serving a century in prison after he pleaded guilty to molesting two children, according to the Marion County Prosecutor's Office.
Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears announced that Rafael Pouriet-Gannett will be sentenced to 100 years at the Indiana Department of Correction for molesting the two victims. In September, Pouriet-Gannett pleaded guilty to three counts of child molesting and vicarious sexual conduct; both felonies.
He was accused of molesting the child
Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears announced that Rafael Pouriet-Gannett will be sentenced to 100 years at the Indiana Department of Correction for molesting the two victims. In September, Pouriet-Gannett pleaded guilty to three counts of child molesting and vicarious sexual conduct; both felonies.
He was accused of molesting the child
Memorial scholarship established in honor of FedEx shooting victim Samaria Blackwell
INDIANAPOLIS — A memorial scholarship, sponsored by the Central Indiana Police Foundation, has been established in memory of Samaria Blackwell.
Blackwell's life was cut short in April 2021 when a former employee at a west-side FedEx facility where she worked, took her life along with seven others.
It was her dream to become a police officer and in her honor, two $500 scholarships will be given to Indiana residents who are studying criminal justice at an Indiana-approved college. Qualified cand
Blackwell's life was cut short in April 2021 when a former employee at a west-side FedEx facility where she worked, took her life along with seven others.
It was her dream to become a police officer and in her honor, two $500 scholarships will be given to Indiana residents who are studying criminal justice at an Indiana-approved college. Qualified cand
Let the 'gourd' times roll: Elephant at Indy Zoo helps clean up after ZooBoo with giant pumpkin smash
INDIANAPOLIS — As the fun of ZooBoo and all things Halloween officially came to a close at the Indianapolis Zoo, so did a giant pumpkin under the foot of one very large elephant Wednesday morning.
The 16-year-old male African elephant, known as Kedar, tested his strength and appetite in the cleanup effort against the Zoo's featured giant pumpkin by smashing it to smithereens.
Not only is pumpkin a delicious treat for elephants and many other animals, but the 8,000 lb. Kedar wasted no time stom
The 16-year-old male African elephant, known as Kedar, tested his strength and appetite in the cleanup effort against the Zoo's featured giant pumpkin by smashing it to smithereens.
Not only is pumpkin a delicious treat for elephants and many other animals, but the 8,000 lb. Kedar wasted no time stom
Mass COVID-19 vaccination clinic opens to children 5 to 11 in Fishers to packed crowds, long lines
FISHERS — Parents lined up at the Fishers Mass Vaccination Clinic in Fishers on Wednesday, ready to get their children vaccinated against COVID-19. It was the first day since the COVID-19 vaccine was approved for children ages five to 11.
The line was long, the space inside was packed and crowded, and while many children were able to receive their first doses of the pediatric Pfizer vaccine, some did not.
Kelly Panzer, of Fishers, showed up at the clinic to wait in line to get her daughter, Ca
The line was long, the space inside was packed and crowded, and while many children were able to receive their first doses of the pediatric Pfizer vaccine, some did not.
Kelly Panzer, of Fishers, showed up at the clinic to wait in line to get her daughter, Ca
Mass COVID-19 vaccination clinic opens to children 5 to 11 in Fishers to packed crowds, long lines
FISHERS — Parents lined up at the Fishers Mass Vaccination Clinic in Fishers on Wednesday, ready to get their children vaccinated against COVID-19. It was the first day since the COVID-19 vaccine was approved for children ages five to 11.
The line was long, the space inside was packed and crowded, and while many children were able to receive their first doses of the pediatric Pfizer vaccine, some did not.
Kelly Panzer, of Fishers, showed up at the clinic to wait in line to get her daughter, Ca
The line was long, the space inside was packed and crowded, and while many children were able to receive their first doses of the pediatric Pfizer vaccine, some did not.
Kelly Panzer, of Fishers, showed up at the clinic to wait in line to get her daughter, Ca
Woman found guilty of killing pizza delivery driver in Lafayette
UPDATE: Billups was sentenced to 50 years in prison and five years of probation on December 3.
TIPPECANOE COUNTY — A Lafayette woman was found guilty Friday afternoon for killing pizza delivery driver, Joshua Ungersma, 37, last summer, following a four-day trial that began on Tuesday, Oct. 26.
Jaelynn Niree Billups, 18, was convicted on all charges, including murder, armed robbery, theft, carrying a handgun without a license, and others.
The incident took place on Aug. 31, 2020, at around 11:
TIPPECANOE COUNTY — A Lafayette woman was found guilty Friday afternoon for killing pizza delivery driver, Joshua Ungersma, 37, last summer, following a four-day trial that began on Tuesday, Oct. 26.
Jaelynn Niree Billups, 18, was convicted on all charges, including murder, armed robbery, theft, carrying a handgun without a license, and others.
The incident took place on Aug. 31, 2020, at around 11:
Woman found guilty of exploiting minors in case connected to Jared Fogle
INDIANAPOLIS — A federal jury found Angela Baldwin, who is connected to Jared Fogle, guilty of exploiting minors.
According to court documents, Baldwin was found guilty of sexual exploitation of a minor, conspiracy to produce visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, and possessing child pornography.
Court documents also show the alleged crimes committed by Baldwin were between 2012 and 2015. At the time, she was married to a man named Russell Taylor, who worked as the
According to court documents, Baldwin was found guilty of sexual exploitation of a minor, conspiracy to produce visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, and possessing child pornography.
Court documents also show the alleged crimes committed by Baldwin were between 2012 and 2015. At the time, she was married to a man named Russell Taylor, who worked as the
Agreement reached to raise Noblesville teacher salaries
NOBLESVILLE — Noblesville Schools announced that they have reached an agreement with the Noblesville Teachers' Forum on a new two-year contract.
This new contract will bring an average 8.7% salary increase in its first year and an additional 3.7% average increase for the second year.
The new deal comes after an historic increase in a previous contract, which gave Noblesville teachers the largest pay raise in 40 years.
Due to a critical national teacher shortage, as well as salaries that have
This new contract will bring an average 8.7% salary increase in its first year and an additional 3.7% average increase for the second year.
The new deal comes after an historic increase in a previous contract, which gave Noblesville teachers the largest pay raise in 40 years.
Due to a critical national teacher shortage, as well as salaries that have
Dia De Los Muertos or 'Day of the Dead' after-school program in Noblesville happening on Nov. 1
NOBLESVILLE — Nickel Plate Arts in Noblesville is hosting a "Dia De Los Muertos" or Day of the Dead after-school celebration on Monday, Nov. 1 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at 8th and Maple Street in downtown Noblesville.
The annual, festive holiday tradition brings together cultural crafts, stories, and education to celebrate life and creativity. Rooted in Mexican tradition, Dia De Los Muertos honors and celebrates the memory of friends and family members who have passed away.
The after-school
The annual, festive holiday tradition brings together cultural crafts, stories, and education to celebrate life and creativity. Rooted in Mexican tradition, Dia De Los Muertos honors and celebrates the memory of friends and family members who have passed away.
The after-school
Get your spook on at Indy Scream Park this Halloween
ANDERSON — Be afraid. Be very afraid. The Indy Scream Park, located in Anderson, will surely give you the fright of your life and make your skin crawl this Halloween. Now in its 12th year, the Indy Scream Park offers five haunted house attractions, plus a beer garden for those who are 21 and older.
"We are the best of the best as far as haunted houses go, in my opinion," said Jon Pianki, Indy Scream Park's marketing director. "Pretty much anything you could be scared of, we have a haunted attra
"We are the best of the best as far as haunted houses go, in my opinion," said Jon Pianki, Indy Scream Park's marketing director. "Pretty much anything you could be scared of, we have a haunted attra
U.S. Marine Cpl. Humberto Sanchez to receive Congressional Gold Medal posthumously
INDIANAPOLIS — U.S. Marine Corporal Humberto Sanchez, 22, of Logansport, lost his life on Aug. 26 during an attack at the Kabul airport in Afghanistan, along with 12 other service members.
Exactly two months later, on Oct. 26, the House passed legislation to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 13 U.S. military service members who were killed on that day, including Cpl. Humberto Sanchez.
State Representative, Jackie Walorski, representing Indiana's 2nd Congressional District
Exactly two months later, on Oct. 26, the House passed legislation to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 13 U.S. military service members who were killed on that day, including Cpl. Humberto Sanchez.
State Representative, Jackie Walorski, representing Indiana's 2nd Congressional District
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